Judge tosses defamation case against veterans minister

Veterans advocate Sean Bruyea walks toward the Ottawa courthouse on Aug. 24. His defamation case heard that day against Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus O'Regan was dismissed Aug. 28, but he says he has retained a lawyer to appeal. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia

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An Ontario judge has dismissed a defamation case against Veterans Affairs Minister Seamus Oâ€™Regan, saying the need to protect the freedom of expression is more important than any harm alleged to have been suffered by an outspoken veterans advocate. Sean Bruyea, who represented himself in Ontario Superior Court, says he plans to appeal the ruling. He filed the $25,000 defamation lawsuit against Mr. Oâ€™Regan (St. John's South-Mount Pearl, N.L.), on May 11 in small claims court. Â The

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